FR3049991A1 - ENERGY COLLECTION DEVICE - Google Patents

Abstract

The energy collecting device (10) comprises: - a water tank (12), - a mechanical transmission (18) connecting an upper wheel (14) to a lower wheel (16), the lower wheel being immersed in the water, - at least one float (20) with a density lower than the density of the water, - means (22) for securing each float to the mechanical transmission, close to the lower wheel, - a means ( 24) for separating each float from the mechanical transmission, close to the upper wheel, - a sink (26) for lowering each float from the separating means towards the securing means, - a system (54) for passing the each float of an air environment in the lower part of the well in a liquid environment facing the securing means and - means (30) for recovering the rotational energy of at least one of the wheels. In embodiments, the mechanical transmission (18) supports regularly spaced float retaining means (42), the deformation of the mechanical transmission on the wheels (14, 16) spreading the retaining means and allowing the positioning each float in the securing means (22) and releasing each float in the detaching means (24).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a device for collecting energy. It applies, in particular, to the field of hydroelectric energy, that is electricity generated from a waterfall.

STATE OF THE ART

There are known hydroelectric devices based on a reservoir of water in a dam and generators turbines moved by water under pressure. These devices are adapted to large rivers and have a large and unsightly influence on the valley of the watercourse.

Generators are also known provided with paddle wheels, wheels provided with blades, making it possible to create a rotary axis movement at the start of a linear movement of fluid. However, the efficiency of these paddle wheels is low and the diameter of the wheel is necessarily equal to the height of the waterfall, which can represent a large footprint.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The present invention aims to remedy all or part of these disadvantages. For this purpose, according to a first aspect, the present invention aims a device for collecting energy, which comprises: - a tank filled with water, - a mechanical transmission connecting an upper wheel to a lower wheel, the lower wheel being dipped in the water, at least one float with a density lower than the density of the water, a means for securing each float to the mechanical transmission, close to the lower wheel, a means for separating each float from the mechanical transmission, close to the upper wheel, - a descent shaft of each float from the means of separation to the securing means. a system for passing each float from an air environment in the lower part of the well to a liquid environment facing the securing means and a means for recovering the rotational energy of at least one of the wheels.

Thanks to these provisions, the floats integral with the mechanical transmission (for example chain or belt) drive the mechanical transmission under the effect of the force of Archimedes and descend, by gravity, into the downhole before being secured, again, to the mechanical transmission. This movement drives the wheels and, consequently, the means of energy recovery. It is noted that the recovered energy can be mechanical or electrical. The device of the present invention has a smaller footprint compared to paddle wheels and dams.

It should be noted that the tank may be implicitly made by a volume of water, for example in a water retention dam.

In particular embodiments, the mechanical transmission supports regularly spaced float retaining means, the deformation of the mechanical transmission on the wheels spreading the retaining means and allowing the positioning of each float in the securing means and the release of each float in the uncoupling means.

Thanks to these provisions, the floats do not slide along the mechanical transmission and thus drag effectively.

In embodiments, each float has a slender shape and a smaller section near each of its ends, the retaining means having a cylindrical shape whose inner section corresponds to the outer section of the ends of each float.

With these provisions, the floats fit between two retaining means when the retaining means are spaced along the periphery of the lower wheel.

In embodiments, the device comprises a carousel below the lower wheel, said carousel having recesses for receiving, by gravity, each float at the lower end of the well and releasing said float facing the securing means under the effect of Archimedes force.

With these provisions, the floats are moved from the well to the securing means without the force of Archimedes to provide work.

In embodiments, the carousel is connected from below to a water outlet.

With these provisions, the water that replaced the float during the release of the float of a recess, under the effect of the force of Archimedes, is evacuated before a float arrives from the well in this recess.

In embodiments, the device includes a transmission for rotating the carousel synchronously with the rotation of the lower wheel.

Thanks to these provisions, no energy of external origin is needed to turn the carousel and the carousel and the lower wheel, so also the belt or chain, always remain synchronized.

In embodiments, the transmission includes a ratchet wheel driven by a cam.

Thanks to these arrangements, the carousel is cyclically rotated, with a cyclic stop during which a float coming from the well enters a recess while another float leaves a recess towards the securing means.

In embodiments, the detaching means comprises a guide positioned near the upper wheel, facing the entrance of the well.

The separation of each float is thus easy, reliable and low energy consumption.

In embodiments, the vessel has an overflow for discharging water above a predetermined level.

This overflow ensures that water does not enter the well.

In embodiments, the rotational energy recovery means is an electric generator.

According to a second aspect, the present invention aims at a method of collecting energy, which comprises: a step of joining at least one float of density less than the density of the water, to a mechanical transmission, close to a lower wheel, the mechanical transmission connecting the lower wheel to an upper wheel, the lower wheel being immersed in the water of a tank filled with water, a step of driving the transmission by the force of Archimedes exerted on each float immersed in the water and secured to the transmission. a step of separating each float from the mechanical transmission, close to the upper wheel, a step of lowering each float disengaged from the mechanical transmission through a well from the means of separation to the securing means; step of passing each float from an air environment in the lower part of the well to a liquid environment facing the securing means and a step of recovering the rotational energy of at least one of the wheels.

The advantages, aims and special features of this method being similar to those of the device object of the present invention, they are not recalled here.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Other advantages, aims and particular characteristics of the invention will become apparent from the following nonlimiting description of at least one particular embodiment of the device and method that are the subject of the present invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings. , in which: - Figure 1 shows schematically and in sectional view, a first particular embodiment of a device object of the present invention, - Figure 2 shows, in perspective view from above, details of a second embodiment of the device which is the subject of the present invention; FIG. 3 is a perspective view of three quarters of the details of the device illustrated in FIG. 2; FIG. FIG. 5 shows, in side view perspective, details of the device illustrated in FIG. 2.

DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES OF EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

This description is given in a nonlimiting manner, each feature of an embodiment being able to be combined with any other feature of any other embodiment in an advantageous manner. Moreover, each parameter value of an exemplary embodiment can be implemented independently of other parameters of said exemplary embodiment.

It is already noted that the figures are not to scale.

FIG. 1 shows a power collection device 10 which is the subject of the present invention. This device 10 comprises: - a tank filled with water 12, - an upper wheel 14 at least partially out of the water of the tank 12, - a lower wheel 16 immersed in the water of the tank 12, - a transmission mechanical 18, which connects the upper wheel 14 and the lower wheel 16.

The mechanical transmission 18 ensures a transmission without slippage between the upper wheel 14 and the lower wheel 16. Thus, any movement of the mechanical transmission 18 has an effect on the movement of the wheels. For example, the mechanical transmission consists of a chain or a transmission belt.

There is also, in Figure 1, at least one float 20 of density less than the density of the water. In Figure 1, thirteen floats 20 are shown. Each float 20 is, for example, consists of a capsule filled with air, gas (under pressure or not) or empty, metal or plastic, or a solid foam retaining air bubbles. In the vicinity of the lower wheel 16 is a securing means 22 of each float 20 to the mechanical transmission 18. Conversely, near the upper wheel 14 is a means of separation 24 (see Figures 2, 3 and 5) of each float 20 of the mechanical transmission 18. Thus, each float 20 is secured to the mechanical transmission 18 during part of the path of the mechanical transmission 18. When a float 20 is secured to the mechanical transmission 18, it is immersed in the water of the tank 12 and therefore undergoes a push, called Archimedes, from the bottom up, equal to its volume multiplied by the difference in density of water and float multiplied by gravity. This force drives the mechanical transmission 18 in the direction indicated by the arrows 28.

A sink 26 of each float 20 allows each float 20 to descend from the separating means 24 to the securing means 22. This well 26 is filled with air so that the floats run through under the effect of the gravity.

A means 30 for recovering the rotational energy of at least one of the wheels 14 or 16 makes it possible to exploit the force experienced by the floats immersed in the water and transmitted to these wheels. In FIG. 1, this energy recovery means 30 is represented by the shaft of the lower wheel 16. Depending on the intended uses, the mechanical energy is used in itself or is transformed into electrical energy by a generator ( not shown). In the latter case, the present invention is in the field of hydroelectric energy.

A water inlet 36, preferably provided with a filter, fills the tank 12. An overflow 38 ensures that the level of the water in the tank 12 does not exceed a predetermined level, in FIG. the axis of rotation of the upper wheel 14. It is recalled here that an overflow is a system for regulating, by overflow, the water level of a tank or a container. It avoids overfilling that can cause damage greater than those possibly accepted by a controlled overflow.

A water outlet 40 is connected to the securing means 22 and allows the evacuation of the water below the well 26.

In the embodiments shown in the figures, the mechanical transmission 18 supports uniformly spaced float retainer means 42 (48 in FIGS. 2 to 5). As seen at the bottom of FIG. 1, the deformation of the mechanical transmission 18 on the circumference of the lower wheel 16 separates the successive retaining means 42, which allows the positioning, by insertion, of each float 20 between two successive retaining means 42. Conversely, as seen at the top of Figure 1, the deformation of the mechanical transmission 18 on the circumference of the upper wheel 14 separates the retaining means 42 successive, allowing the release of each float 20 from its position between two successive retaining means 42. Between the lower wheel 16 and the upper wheel 14, the floats 20 are integral with the mechanical transmission 18.

In the embodiments shown in the figures, each float 20 has an elongate shape and a smaller section near each of its ends. For example, the ends of each float 20 have a spherical or conical shape.

FIGS. 2 to 5 show the elements illustrated in FIG. 1, except that the securing means, in the second embodiment, has a smaller dimension than in the first embodiment. Consequently, the well is, in Figure 1, closer to the descent path followed by the mechanical transmission 18 and, in Figures 2 to 5 closer to the path followed by the floats during their ascent.

As can be seen in FIGS. 2 to 5, in which neither the tank 12 nor the floats 20 are shown, in the device 50, the retaining means 48 have a truncated cylinder shape whose inner section corresponds to the section external to the ends of each float 20. Remember that a cylinder is a regulated surface whose generatrices are parallel, that is to say a surface in the space consisting of parallel lines. In the embodiment shown, the floats 20 have the general shape of a circular cylinder trunk and the retaining means 48 have a circular cylinder trunk shape, whose radius is slightly less than the radius of the floats. The ends of the floats 20 thus bear on the retaining means 48 without being able to pass through them. For example, the ends of each float have convex convex backs with a large radius of edge. These forms are also called funds in "basket handle" or torispherical. They consist of a spherical cap, a toric element called square and a cylindrical edge.

In FIG. 2, the disengaging means 24 takes the form of a ramp inclined with respect to the plane of the upper wheel 14, this ramp is positioned outside the path of the retaining means 48. When the floats 20 ascend to the place where the mechanical transmission 18 follows the upper circumference of the upper wheel 14 the retaining means 48 and deviate floats 20, and released, are pushed by the ramp 24 to the inlet of the well 46.

In the embodiments shown in the figures, the device of the present invention comprises a system allowing the floats to pass from an air environment in the lower part of the well 26 or 46 to a liquid environment facing the securing means.

In the embodiments shown in the figures, this system comprises a carousel (54 in Figure 1.52 in Figures 3 to 5) below the lower wheel 16. It is noted that the term "below" means "below the vertical level of the axis of the lower wheel 16 >>, without it being necessary for a vertical line to pass through the carousel and the lower wheel 16. Thus, in variants, the carousel is offset to the side, near an edge of the tank 12, the well 26, 46 feeding the float carousel and the carousel releasing each float along the mechanical transmission 18.

The carousel 52, 54 has recesses 56 to receive, by gravity, each float 20 at the lower end of the well 26, 46, and release this float 20 facing the securing means under the effect of the force of Archimedes . The carousel 52, 54 slides in a sealed manner by means of a sliding seal or a sealed ball bearing, under a fixed plate (70 in FIG. 1 and 74 in FIG. 4) and, thanks to two sliding seals 72A and 72B (FIG. 1), on the evacuation 40. Thus, no water reaches the well 26, 46, outside the water transported by the recesses 56, which is evacuated by the evacuation 40.

The carousel 52,54 is connected, from below, to the evacuation of water 40, upstream or opposite the well 26, 46, in the direction of rotation of the carousel 52, 54. Thus, each recess 56, which fills with water when a float 20 leaves it, empties upstream or facing the well 26, 46 in the water outlet 40. Another float 20 can thus be positioned in this recess 56 by simple gravity .

The carousel 52, 54 comprises at least two recesses 56. Its rotation is preferably, step-by-step, a recess 56 taking the position of another recess at each step, or in a continuous manner. In each of these cases, the rotation of the carousel 52, 54 is synchronized with the rotation of at least one of the wheels 14 or 16. In the second embodiment, shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, the carousel 52 comprises three recesses 56, regularly spaced at 120 degrees from one another about the axis of rotation of the carousel 52.

In FIG. 1, a transmission for rotating the carousel 54 synchronously with the rotation of the lower wheel 16 comprises a belt 32 and a drive wheel 34. The belt 32 transfers the rotational movement of the lower wheel 16 on the wheel 34 which comprises a gear driving in rotation the carousel 54.

In FIGS. 2 to 5, a transmission 58, for rotating the carousel 52 synchronously with the rotation of the lower wheel 16, comprises wheels 60A, 60B, 60C and 66, a mechanical transmission 62 and a cam 64. second embodiment, shown in Figures 2 to 5, the two lower wheels 60B and 60C have orthogonal planes between them and form a gear. With the cam 64 and the ratchet wheel 66, the carousel 52 is cyclically rotated, with a cyclic stop during which a float 20 from the well 46 enters a recess 56 while another float 20 leaves a recess 56 to the means of joining. Thus, at each turn of the wheel 60C, whose axis of rotation is parallel to the axis of rotation of the carousel 52, the carousel 52 rotates 120 degrees during a half cycle and then remains stationary during the other half cycle .

In the second embodiment, illustrated in Figures 2 to 5, supports 68 surround and support the upper wheel 14 and the entire device 50 in the vessel (not shown).

As can be understood from reading the preceding description, thanks to the implementation of the present invention, the floats 20 integral with the mechanical transmission 18 drive the mechanical transmission under the effect of the Archimedes force and descend, by gravity, in the descent shaft 26, 46 before being secured, again, to the mechanical transmission.

This movement drives the wheels and, consequently, the means of energy recovery. The energy thus recovered can be used mechanically or can be converted into electricity by a generator. The device object of the present invention has a smaller footprint compared to the impeller and the dams since this space is limited to the size of the tank 12, possibly supplemented by a generator.

Other ways of presenting the device which is the subject of the present invention are given below.

The operating principle is based on the recovery of energy released by the buoyancy. This device makes it possible to repeatedly dive a low density volume at the deepest of a volume of high density. This makes it possible to transform a single thrust into a continuous and therefore exploitable thrust.

In order to operate, the device uses three volumes of different density: a volume having a low density (generally ambient air); a volume having an intermediate density (for example, an aluminum capsule containing air or helium, named "capsule" or "float" in the description), - a volume having a high density (usually water).

These volumes are arranged in the following manner: the capsule is contained in a vertical tank filled with water and having an outlet in the open air at the bottom.

The device allows the exchange of a volume of water by the volume of the capsule in the deepest tank. The two volumes being identical, this exchange is possible by the evacuation of the volume of water in the volume of ambient air. For continuous use, the tank must be supplied with water either under pressure or by gravity to replace the evacuated volume. The buoyancy of Archimedes is effective on the height of water contained in the tank traveled by the capsule. It is increased tenfold by the use of wheels that add leverage. To this can be added a hydrodynamic current that will increase the speed of wheel rotation.

For the sake of clarity, in the following description, the belt is called the mechanical transmission.

The primary operating cycle is as follows: 1. The capsule is stored deep within the vessel in a cavity. 2. The capsule is released from its cavity. 3. The capsule is then attached to a belt held between two wheels in a vertical plane. The buoyancy of Archimedes that the capsule undergoes drives the belt thus rotating the wheels. 4. Once the cap has reached the upper wheel, which is at the water surface, it is ejected from the belt into an air-filled tube or well. 5. This well is the connection between the top of the tank and the bottom. The top of the well is above the surface of the water and the bottom is supported on a carousel so that water can not seep into the well. The capsule descends into the well, and falls into an empty cavity of carousel water. 6. The carousel rotates and positions the capsule under a second vertical tube (the air outlet tube) which releases the little air contained in the cavity to replace it with water. 7. The carousel continues to rotate to position the capsule facing the belt. 8. The capsule is released again by the carousel to attach to the belt and perform a new cycle.

The device is composed of several elements 1. A vertical tank, in which are all the other elements, except possibly the generator. It can be in one or more parts. It has an intake manifold on which is mounted a valve or solenoid valve, filter, vent, manhole, cover, overflow and exhaust manifold in the lower part on which is mounted a valve or solenoid valve. It is provided with bearings that keep the shaft of the lower wheel fixed to the tank. 2. A driving wheel mounted on the drive shaft. This wheel can be smooth or notched, have one or more grooves to receive one or more belts, chains, cables or straps. 3. The belt is used to drive the wheels. It is provided with flat rings or any other type of elements used to hold the capsules on the belt. 4. The flat rings hold the capsules on the belt. When they arrive on the wheels, they marry the spokes. The distance of the rings on their furthest part of the belt then elongates. This creates a pincer grip, which is then open. On the low wheel, the capsule is lodged between the rings that close on it. Conversely on the high wheel, the rings, moving apart, release the capsule. The rings are hydrodynamic. They generate the minimum possible drag. They are fine and have, possibly, three pins for the proper positioning of the capsules. 5. Capsules are reservoirs containing gases, liquids or solids. They have a hydrodynamic form and must be able to withstand the pressure imposed by the depth. They can be in various rigid or flexible materials, steel, aluminum, PEHT, composite ... and can also be under pressure in order to counter the external pressure. 6. The upper wheel receives the belt in its groove. It is mounted on the upper axis. It can be submerged, partially submerged or aerial. 7. The upper shaft is fixed on bearings located on either side of the upper wheel. This axis can also be used to transmit this force in rotation, for example to an electric generator. 8. The solid (or support 68) supports the bearings, the axis, the upper wheel, and the ejector. It is movable along the vertical axis, guides located in the tank now. It can keep the tension of the belt by a system of tension, for example by flotation, by tension by cable, by spring, by pressure. 9. The ejector has the function of extracting the capsules from the belt and guiding them towards the supply well. It is mounted on a flexible bar, allowing it to reposition itself after each ring pass. It also has a limit system so you never hit a ring. There are several ways to fulfill this function. You can also use the pressure of the water that feeds the tank to direct the capsules to a funnel. 10. The funnel, located at the top of the supply well, retrieves the capsules that are released by the belt and guide them into the supply well. 11. The supply well allows the capsules to be returned to the carousel. He is resting on the carousel. The junction between the well and the carousel is waterproof. It contains air and isolates the capsules from the water. It is located above the water outlet pipe. It is designed to control the movement of air generated by the descent of the capsules. This allows the capsules to come down at the right speed, limiting premature wear of the capsules. 12. The air evacuation tube, it allows to release the little air contained in the well where just lodged the capsule to release it to the highest so that the bubbles do not disturb the buoyancy. It is not necessary for operation but improves it. Air can be directed to the top of the fixed plate to reduce friction. 13. The guide tube positions the capsule that has just left the carousel so that it fits between the flat rings. 14. The fixed plate connects on a flat surface the supply well, the exhaust and air tube, and the guide tube. The seal is between this surface and carousel. 15. The locking circle is arranged around the carousel. It controls the locking system of the capsules. 16. The locking system of the capsules is composed of a pin mounted on a spring. This axis is held down by the locking circle. A window in the locking circle allows the desired moment to release the axis, the spring then returns in extension by moving back the axis and releasing the capsule. Its two functions are to avoid wear of the ends of the capsules on the fixed plate and to reduce the friction due to these contacts. 17. The carousel is cylindrical in shape and centered around its center. The carousel is located in the lower part of the tank. He receives the capsules in recesses which are arranged at an equal distance from the center. The number of recesses may vary but their spacing must be greater than the diameter of the recesses. The recesses welcome the capsules from above. The capsules fit completely into the recesses but can not exit at the bottom because the orifice is smaller than the diameter of the capsules. The recesses are equipped with a locking system preventing the capsules from escaping under the pressure of water and avoiding wear of the capsule heads during the rotation of the carousel. 18. Bunker: This is the part that contains the carousel drive mechanism. It can be separated from the tank by a wall, which keeps the entire mechanism out of the tank. The mechanism then evolves in aerodynamics and no longer in hydrodynamics thus improving the mechanical power recovered. 19. The carousel drive mechanism continuously supplies the belt in capsules. Several mechanisms can achieve this result In this case, it is fed by the transmission shaft via a kinematic chain. Several elements can be coupled in order to obtain the desired result, reducer, gearbox, retarder ... 20. The ratchet gear, it aims to create a dead time in the rotation of the carousel allowing the capsules of have the time to go out or to enter the recesses without being blocked by the rotation of the carousel. 21. The exhaust manifold (or exhaust) is positioned under the carousel and vertically above the supply pipe. It allows the evacuation of the fluid contained in the recesses of the carousel to receive capsules again. In cascade use, this fluid can feed a second unit. 22. The slip seal is mounted on the exhaust manifold, it seals between the tubing and the carousel. It is doubly slippery because it slides on the tubing and the seal is provided by the flexibility of the seal that is pressed against the carousel.

The main types of use of the device object of the present invention are: - small dams: the device is exploitable with very low flow rates on low falls, where the other systems of Pelton type, Kaplan, Francis, are not adapted. Positioning can be done under the dam or immersed in water. - coupled to a wind turbine, a solar roof, or both. - In mountain areas where feeding can be done by a pipeline taken upstream on a watercourse. - in the city where the waste water pipes are untapped - in industrial complex where the flow rates of fluid are sufficient. - The device works everywhere provided you have a sufficient flow of water and a minimum of Gravity.

It is noted that it is possible to position several devices next to each other to adapt to the flow of water or one below the other.

As is readily understood from reading the foregoing description, the method of collecting energy which is the subject of the present invention comprises: a step of joining at least one float with a density lower than the density of the water at a mechanical transmission, near a lower wheel 16, the mechanical transmission 18 connecting the lower wheel to an upper wheel 14, the lower wheel being immersed in the water of a tank filled with water 12, step of driving the transmission by the force of Archimedes exerted on each float immersed in water and secured to the transmission, - a step of separating each float from the mechanical transmission, close to the upper wheel, - a descending step of each float disengaged from the mechanical transmission through a well 26,46 from the means of separation to the securing means, - a step of ssage of each float from an air environment at the bottom of the well to a liquid environment facing the securing means and - a step of recovering the rotational energy of at least one of the wheels.

Claims (11)

1. Device (10, 50) for collecting energy, characterized in that it comprises; - a tank filled with water (12) by a water inlet (36), - a mechanical transmission (18) connecting an upper wheel (14) to a lower wheel (16), the lower wheel being immersed in the water, - at least one float (20) of density lower than the density of water, - means (22) for securing each float to the mechanical transmission, close to the lower wheel, - means (24) detaching each float from the mechanical transmission, close to the upper wheel, - a well (26, 46) for lowering each float from the means of separation to the securing means, - a system (52, 54) of passage of each float from an air environment in the lower part of the well to a liquid environment facing the securing means, means (30) for recovering the rotational energy of at least one of the wheels and - an output of water (40) below the well. The apparatus (10, 50) according to claim 1, wherein the mechanical transmission (18) supports regularly spaced float retaining means (42, 48), deformation of the mechanical transmission on the wheels (14). , 16) separating the retaining means and allowing the positioning of each float in the securing means (22) and the release of each float in the disengaging means (24). 3. Device (50) according to claim 2, wherein each float (20) has an elongate shape and a smaller section near each of its ends, the retaining means (48) having a cylindrical shape whose inner section corresponds to the outer section of the ends of each float. 4. Device (10, 50) according to one of claims 1 to 3, which comprises a carousel (52, 54) below the lower wheel (16), said carousel having recesses (56) for receiving, by gravity , each float (20) at the lower end of the well (26, 46) and release said float facing the securing means (22) under the effect of the Archimedean force. 5. Device (10, 50) according to claim 4, wherein the carousel is connected, from below, to a water outlet (40). 6. Device (50) according to one of claims 4 or 5, which comprises a transmission (58,60A, 60B, 60C, 62,64,66) for rotating the carousel synchronously with the rotation of the lower wheel (16). The apparatus (50) of claim 6, wherein the transmission (58, 60A, 60B, 60C, 62, 64, 66) includes a ratchet wheel (66) driven by a cam (64). 8. Device (10, 50) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the detaching means (24) comprises a guide positioned near the upper wheel (14), opposite the well entrance. 9. Device (10, 50) according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the vessel (12) comprises an overflow (38) for discharging the water present above a predetermined level. 10. Device (10, 50) according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the means for recovering rotational energy is an electric generator. 11. A method of collecting energy, characterized in that it comprises; - A step of filling a tank filled with water (12) by a water inlet (36), - a step of joining at least one float (20) of density less than the density of the water at a mechanical transmission, near a lower wheel (16), the mechanical transmission (18) connecting the lower wheel to an upper wheel (14), the lower wheel being immersed in the water of the tank filled with water, a step of driving the transmission by the force of Archimedes exerted on each float immersed in water and secured to the transmission. a step of separating each float from the mechanical transmission, close to the upper wheel, a step of descent of each float separated from the mechanical transmission through a well (26, 46) from the means of separation towards the means of solidarity, - a step of passage of each float from an air environment in the lower part of the well to a liquid environment facing the securing means, - a step of recovering the rotational energy of at least one of the wheels and a step of evacuation of water below the well.